Skip to main content

Spicy Cheddar Cheese Spread

Image may contain Food and Bread
Photo by Chelsie Craig

This cheesy dip is made for our Pretzel Bites, but you can also serve this with store-bought pretzels, your favorite kind of crackers, or a platter of crudités.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 2½ cups

Ingredients

8 ounces cheddar, grated (about 2 cups)
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more
Crackers (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Blend cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, paprika, and ¼ tsp. cayenne in a food processor until smooth, 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl; season with more cayenne.

    Step 2

    Do Ahead: Cheese spread can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Read More
Roasted poblanos, jalapeños, and red onion are coated with a melty sauce—warm with the flavors of pepper jack, and stabilized with a block of cream cheese.
This Brie galette is party food at its finest—and easiest! A 5-ingredient sweet-salty appetizer that takes just five minutes to prep.
This seasonal take on a Puerto Rican favorite adds pumpkin purée and a touch of warm spice for an autumnal flair.
Letting just-grilled, still-warm peppers marinate in a bright and punchy vinaigrette allows the flavors to permeate even further.
Tender, juicy chicken skewers are possible in the oven—especially when roasted alongside spiced chickpeas and finished with fresh tomatoes and salty feta.
Bathe greens and chickpeas in a garlicky, tomato-enhanced broth. Stretch a block of Halloumi by grating and toasting it into a topping for the soup.
Your new house dressing: creamy, herby, and dangerously dippable.
This riff on çılbır marries garlicky yogurt, fried eggs, and spiced butter with summer tomatoes.